Taiwanese 'Meteor Garden' Star Barbie Hsu Passes Away at 48

Barbie Hsu, the Taiwanese actress best known for her role in the hit 2001 drama Meteor Garden, has passed away at the age of 48 due to pneumonia, as reported by local media.

A major star in the Mandarin-speaking entertainment industry, Hsu's popularity extended across Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, where Meteor Garden was widely broadcast in local languages.

Shocked fans took to social media to express their grief, with one Weibo user commenting, "I can't believe it," echoing the sentiments of many.

A Sudden Loss

Hsu reportedly fell ill while visiting Japan. Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed her passing in a statement to Taiwan’s TVBS News, revealing that Hsu contracted pneumonia triggered by influenza during a family trip for the Lunar New Year.

Known to have a history of epilepsy and heart disease, Hsu had previously been hospitalized for seizures.

She is survived by her husband, South Korean singer DJ Koo, and two children from a previous marriage. Hsu was married to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei for a decade before their highly publicized divorce in 2021.

The Rise of an Icon

Hsu’s entertainment career began at 17 in a pop duo with her sister before transitioning to television hosting. However, it was her role as Shan Cai in Meteor Garden—a modern retelling of a classic Japanese manga—that catapulted her to international fame.

The series' massive success made Hsu a household name, and her co-stars later formed the boyband F4, one of the biggest Mandopop groups of the 2000s.

Following Meteor Garden, Hsu starred in several popular dramas such as Corner With Love and Summer's Desire. Though she stepped away from acting in 2012, she remained active in reality TV.

An Outpouring of Tributes

Ken Chu, a member of F4, mourned her loss by sharing a black screen and a group photo on Instagram, later posting on Weibo: "What a bolt from the blue."

Aya Liu, a longtime friend, recalled their recent gathering, expressing disbelief that it would be their last. "Rest in peace, the most beautiful queen," she wrote.

On social media, Meteor Garden fans worldwide paid tribute, with one user stating, "Meteor Garden raised an entire generation of Asians. Thank you, Barbie Hsu, for bringing Shan Cai to life."

The Legacy of Meteor Garden

During its original run, Meteor Garden captivated audiences across Asia, with fans imitating fashion trends from the show. In the Philippines, it aired multiple times due to popular demand.

Even decades later, its influence endures, inspiring remakes in Japan, South Korea, China, and India.

Hsu’s passing marks the end of an era, but her impact on Asian entertainment will never be forgotten.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgy81rv22do